This video has a bunch of bear-looking dudes in it, but it’s still awesome.

why?

Because the song is fucking awesome.

JAMAICA – Short and Entertaining

Things that sound like this get me through the days that look like the above.
[See post to listen to audio]
Stars on 33 – I Feel Music in Your Heart

Lay back and let the funk infiltrate your soul.

ps: if this track sounds familiar to you, then yes, it’s because it’s sampled from Idris Muhammed – Could Heaven Ever Be Like This. Listen Here.

Stars on 33 is actually really elusive to me. I know they’re  from the early 00’s, but other than that I don’t know anything about them. Some say they were a Vulture production/release, but the internet and my records tell me they had a release(s) with Work it Baby. Anyone know more about them?

pps: special shouts to hypemachine for dropping me.  i can now live in peace without worrying about how many hearts i get on each post!!

Anyone get phantom blinks on their blackberry? I suffer greatly.

Things around these parts have been very much less than stellar. The update frequency of this website was just starting to back into semi-frequent, and shit just started happening. life?

[See post to listen to audio]
Phoenix – If I Ever Feel Better

just play this over and over.

When it’s all over I’ll let you know.

PS: In an attempt to buck up, I held a little giveaway on twitter.  If you’re not following, you obviously missed your chance!  @lazyvillain won himself  a lovely copy of the rare Breakbot – Baby I’m Yours Remix EP (feat. aeroplane) –ON VINYL!!!

I’ll be giving away more of my record collection in the coming months so be on the lookout.

Although it may seem true, not everything that happens in the Mania is techno. We listen to everything from gangster rap to gospel. Switch that gear lever from techno to 60/70’s California Pop and let’s take a cruise up PCH, through Malibu.

Rooney, knowing I’ve been a long time fan, kindly sent their upcoming album ‘Eureka’ for me to check out. As a fan I honestly CANNOT say it’s AMAZING. It has a few gems, but as an album it isn’t something I’m impressed with. After so long in the making and with their previous songwriting being so good, something is left to be desired in this release.

I try not to compare future albums with previous albums, but it’s so hard not to. The previous two albums were straight no frills old Southern California power-pop albums –killer hook after killer hook. It just feels like they got tired of the happiness and went to sleep on this one. Is Rooney growing up?

Here’s one track that stood out. Everything about it is perfect, but it’s a pity it doesn’t last longer.
[See post to listen to audio]
Rooney – Stars And Stripes

Pick your head up, Rooney, life isn’t this sad. (and I still love you)

Stretch just emailed this one over tonight… It’s by Dillon Francis and it’s the perfect weekend goofy/hood beat. I also just made a sandwich whilst listening to this track. (tasted delicious as fuck). Listen to this and try not to get ghetto crunk. I dare.

DESSERT ON MY DICK
[See post to listen to audio]
Dillon Francis – Sandwiches Feat. Dirt Nasty (ODE TO THE PUBAHS)

And if that wasn’t enough to start your weekend right, this is sure to tickle your fancy. As always, Holy Ghost be putting their magic disco touch on everything in sight. This time, Monarchy. SO, GOOD, DOT, COM. Annie Mac played this last week on her show and it completely blew my mind. So stoked this track made its way over to my ear holes.
[See post to listen to audio]
Monarchy – Love Get Out Of My Way (Holy Ghost [Feat.Dixon] remix)

I’ve fallen behind with posting again…(what’s new, right?) life seems like a drawn out sine wave full of busy.

I like the way mother birds feed their baby birds. I digested this delicious music-food and now I’m going to vomit it into your ears. Here’s some stuff for you to feed your ear-bellies.
[See post to listen to audio]
Cartridge – The Woods (Buffetlibre Remix)
[See post to listen to audio]
Plushgun – Mixtapes (Buffetlibre Remix)
[See post to listen to audio]
Δngelo – Hands Down (Buffetlibre Remix)

Buffetlibre was one of the first international groups to reach out to TUFTSMANIA back in the day. Since then I’ve been following their moves and they’ve grown to have such an extensive portfolio of collaborations and projects that I’m baffled as to why they aren’t prominent on blogs.

up next:
[See post to listen to audio]
Telonius – Disco-Tec (Moullinex Remix)
MOULLINEX!!! He’s a fellow teammate of the awesome Portugese label, DISCOTEXAS and has some new stuff coming out soon. If you are following TUMBLMANIA you’ll know I posted a video for his new release here. It’s called Superman, and it’s going to be AMAZING. Stream it on his soundcloud.

This is a classic Moullinex example. He has a very peculiar stylistic synth that is recurring among his productions and is apparent here. It’s ALWAYS a good thing in this case. If you’re curious, take a listen to Break Chops as well.

Lastly, the Twelves are always welcome here. Not going to say anything else.
[See post to listen to audio]
Terry Poison – Comme çi Comme ça (The Twelves Remix Shuffle)

It’s nowhere near November but I’m thankful for so many things. Internet, cell phone with internet, web browser to access internet, macintosh to enrich internet experience. etc.

Now that I’ve gotten that out of the way, on to the part where I post really good music. (this is long…) (that’s what she said)

Miami Horror seems to be a permanent fixture on this website and it is no coincidence. It’s all so good! Whether it’s an original production or a commissioned remix, the curatorship is always top notch.

First up is a remix for Miami Horror’s single release of “Sometimes”. My boy Yama of GLOVES fame gives this a heavy coat of vintage summer pearl and finishes it off with a butter-smooth 2000 grit wetsand of some of the best ‘big-lady’ vocals + 90’s big room piano stabs I’ve ever heard in my LIFE. TRUTH. (apologies for the car-nerdism -ed.) …but damn, not to be overlooked is THAT INTRO which complements the conclusion so well.
[See post to listen to audio]
Miami Horror – Sometimes (G.L.O.V.E.S. Remix)

In no way, shape, or form of bringing you down from your high of that last track comes a Miami Horror remix of The Presets “Talk Like That”. This one’s from the blog-vintage rosetta stone. Had to hop in my blog-delorean to dig this one up, but it proves one thing: If it’s good, it’s good forever. None of this fast-fashion bullshit. fuck your fleeting taste in music. I played this out recently and fear not, it still makes the kids get crunk @ 2:58. soooo much vibe!! If you need a musical analysis of this track, no. just no.
[See post to listen to audio]
The Presets – Talk Like That (Miami Horror Remix)

Now that we’ve gotten sweaty let’s hop a bridge to the disco side of things to get a steady pace going. Human Life. I posted a video (so good) of this single on the TUMBLMANIA not too long ago, but if you don’t follow it’s quite easy to miss such a thing. A lovely bassline and earnest vocals bring this together. The chorus verse first dropping @1:01 has some of the best vocal / instrumental interaction I’ve heard in a while!
[See post to listen to audio]
Human Life – In It Together (radio mix)

Lastly, but surely not least, the man, the freshest in Brooklyn, ALAN WILKIS. He remixed RJD2’s “The Shining Path” which features vocals lent by the only Phonte Coleman (part of Foreign Exchange, phontigallo etc). Alan Wilkis’ style complements this style of vocal PERFECTLY. When I first heard this track I thought it was an original AW track –that’s how natural it feels. Take this cool-down lap and have a listen.
[See post to listen to audio]
RJD2 – The Shining Path (Alan Wilkis Remix)

I hope you enjoyed today’s journey as much as I did. As usual, check the tags if you want to hear more from the posted artists. Chances are, I’ve blogged about it before.

Dear Uffie,

Your awkward white-girl rap was charming. When paired with solid Feadz/Oizo/Ed Banger beats, it was outright vibe-worthy.

Key example: Oizo’s track, “Steroids” features your lovely vocals and it’s a perfect marriage of awkward and technoise. (is that coined for mr. oizo yet?)
[See post to listen to audio]
Mr. Oizo feat. Uffie – Steroids (Mr. Oizo Remix)

Things went downhill from there my dear…

Your latest single [ADD Suv] featuring Pharrell (Prod. by Mirwais) is listenable –for 15 seconds. No disrespect Mirwais, but C’MON SON. Yes, there are brief glints of beauty, but in a whole sea of ugly.

Hell it could have been good even if P produced it himself.

Here’s to hoping your upcoming full-length has things that sound better than this.

Love,

Chris_n

In other news, this is what “ADD Suv” could have been:
Armand Van Helden in for the save. I can hear the heavy influence of Duck Sauce shining through on this one. By somewhat balancing Pharrell and Uffie’s lines, he capitalizes on Uffie’s (really good) harmonic vocals that are noticeably overshadowed [by the off-kilter-Mirwais-borderline-hip-hop-beat] and turns it into a chopped up sparkling-disco fiesta. FEEL ME??
[See post to listen to audio]
Uffie feat. Pharrell – ADD Suv (Armand Van Helden Vocal Remix)

For you to note: for some reason you readers like emailing me comments instead of just posting comments to the post directly. This poses 2 problems:

1. it’s a 1 on 1 interaction and that’s not what the internet is about. I’m all about an orgy of discussion. Besides, I’d much rather everyone be able to see my amazingly snide/smart-ass/bitch-ass replies –I’m not beyond making individual posts about email messages, as you know. but it’s gotta be REALLY good.

2. it makes me look horribly un-popular on the internet. not that i care or anything. seriously. i don’t care. forget it. fine. just keep emailing me your comments. i see u lurkers. lurkin’ ‘n shit.

twitter.
tumblr.
facebook.

BONUS:
just listen to this again. seriously. do it.

[See post to listen to audio]
Matt Van Schie - (Be My) Lady (Hemingway’s Beach Bossa Mix)

This is about Matt Van Schie. Yes, the one from Van She.

He’s been doing his solo thing for a while now with the not-too-long-ago debut solo release of the fun “Balmy Nights EP” –while his bandmate, Michael Di Francesco is doing remix wizardry under the name Arithmatix!. (need more van she tech circa 06-07 in my life)

There has been a stream of remixes to supplement this EP release and a chilled out remix of Matt Van Schie by none other than Hemingway is nothing to scoff at. In fact it’s bloody amazing. Anyway, it is known fact that Hemingway makes magic yacht funk.

From bassline to keyboarding, everything is dialed for maximum funk. This vibe is a complete departure from the original track and it’s pretty refreshing (suffice to say, I enjoy the original material as well).

Get this and
GET BOSSA ON THE BEACH

[See post to listen to audio]
Matt Van Schie – (Be My) Lady (Hemingway’s Beach Bossa Mix)

BONUS:
Who likes “How to Make it in America“? At first I only watched it to see the intro with pictures Bronques took of the people I know in real life. But then I heard a fat man say ”fuck selvage, that’s hand-dyed indigo from a left handed weave.”

It made me sad and confused. and I’m glad they failed at making jawnz. but i still watch it. ’cause i dunno.

[See post to listen to audio]
Aloe Blacc – I need a Dollar (Stern* Edit)

WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?

This is a Treasure Fingers edit/bootleg of Jocelyn Brown’s “Someone Else’s Guy”, totally unofficial, but totally awesome.

Where did Treasure Fingers learn the funk? This is perhaps a mystery nobody is yet ready to answer.

Anyway, check this bootleg, spread it around, play it out. The intro starts out relatively innocuous, but just as the vocal drops at 1:31 it gets soooo groooove! Start to get summer hype for the 2 upcoming releases!

[See post to listen to audio]
Treasure Fingers – What am I Supposed to Do?

more Treasure Fingers posted on tuftsmania

BONUS!
since I’m still on a Juggernauts high, check this remix of Stardust Five from WAYYYY back. You can hear the BEST sound EVER right when it drops at the 2:30 mark. holy shit. There should be a vintage Juggernauts remix throwback at least bi-weekly.
[See post to listen to audio]
Stardust Five – Pussy Got Your Tongue (Midnight Juggernauts Remix)

You remember I posted this.

Then I tweeted this.

Now it’s your turn to get a taste. I just got the OK to post a single from the Vital Signs EP along with another little surprise set for release on their upcoming Crystal Axis full length. (Out May 28!!!!!!!!!!FFFFUUUUUUCCCKKKKKK)

It builds and builds and builds and builds. There’s so much atmosphere in Vital Signs that once the verse begins, you don’t even realize it. The chorus explodes into your CNS without warning and it feels so right.

[See post to listen to audio]
Midnight Juggernauts – Vital Signs (videoooooo) (sosick)

This next one is a b-side on the Crystal Axis album, and what’s up with that? Like, if this is a ‘b-side’ the a-side must be fucking ridiculously amazing because what I’m hearing right now is quite fucking ridiculously amazing.

Speaking of b-sides, what is a b-side anymore? are there digital b-sides? like, what dictates the ’side’ of a digital file? I can’t ‘flip’ my mp3 over and play the other side –so why call it a b-side? Why not call it, “Stuff that didn’t make it onto our actual album, but we want to include anyway.”

Anyway, just wait until 2:46.5 when this track slices you in half with the organ stabs good enough to be pulled straight from a doors album.

[See post to listen to audio]
Midnight Juggernauts – Get Connected

Let’s get connected….socially? socially? sexually?

One last thing I must mention is how good of a live band Juggernauts are. Real good. Can’t wait to catch a show again. (hint, get back to the States STAT, yes?)

Preorder on itunes

hit the jump for tracklist full of titles only legends could think of

Tracklisting:
Midnight Juggernauts – The Crystal Axis
Induco
Vital Signs
Lifeblood Flow
This New Technology
Lara Versus The Savage Pack
The Great Beyond
Cannibal Freeway
Virago
Winds of Fortune
Dynasty
Lemuria
Fade to Red

Here is an audible account of what my weekend felt like.

[See post to listen to audio]
JAMAICA – I Think I like U 2 (Breakbot Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]
Classixx – I’ll Get You (Treasure Fingers Holy Shit Bassline Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]
Priors – What You Need (DCUP Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]
Mike Posner – Cooler than Me (Skeet Skeet Remix)

[See post to listen to audio]
Javelin – Lindsay Brohan

[See post to listen to audio]
Javelin – Leonard pt. 6

[See post to listen to audio]
Phoenix – Armistice (Yacht Remix)

Keywords: pool, jacuzzi, beer, sweat, bass, xtc, sweat, sun, bass, golf, country club, old people, drugs, bass, spicy pie, sparkle, heineken, jack daniels.

That said, I’ll let your friends tell you how good Coachella was.

ps: wireless companies: fix your fucking coverage at coachella assholes

update: http://j.mp/a6m0Yl pics.

I LOVE PENGUIN PRISON.

Their latest single “The Worse It Gets” is pure pop and I’m hearing so many things that appeal to me right now.

The track starts off with a rhythm and piano stabs very reminscent of Thibaut Berland’s style of funk (which is derivative of many other things –another story). You hear the chorus? You know what that is? That is SUMMER. It’s fucking here.

So listen:
[See post to listen to audio]
Penguin Prison – The Worse it Gets

BONUS:

Holy shit. Starsmith does this track RIGHT. Opens with a minimal approach and ever so gradually builds on the layers. The guitar picking reminds me of Phoenix, and there are other lovely little licks of guitar that hark back to the days of Alan Braxe, Fred Falke and friends. Again, these are just a few things that make this remix amazing. Let me reiterate: Summer, is, here.

[See post to listen to audio]
Penguin Prison – The Worse it Gets (Starsmith Remix)

ps: check my TUMBLMANIA lately?  shit’s kind of poppin over there.

I guess blogging about labels is more interesting to me these days, and for good reason. The good people behind them.

Our homeboys in Portugal just recently one HELL of a compilation EP (Forbidden Cuts Vol .1) and just yesterday dropped Justin Faust’s latest jam ‘Holdin’ On’. The label name is Discotexas and they’ve been doing it right. Moullinex, Xinobi, Rockets, Cpt. Luvlace, Double Damage, Bandido$, Flip, and Gun N’ Rose are the leading talent right now and it’s only bound to get better. (more proof? see here, here, here, aaand here)

There 3 major factors that come into play when successfully promoting and distributing albums.

1. Album Artwork – this is so much more important than you think. Who wants to buy a record with ugly  or poorly designed sleeve art? I have so many records that I’m almost ashamed to pull out because their sleeves are so ugly. This isn’t to say that the music inside sucks, because it totally doesn’t, but it’s the very first impression someone gets when flipping through a crate or even when browsing iTunes without having had any prior bias. (case in point) You might say, “Chris, there’s more to an album than the artwork.”  Well you know what? I’m shallow and design OCD (sup @erinautomatic). get over it. At least it’s better than being sloppy.

2. OK, this is kind of understood but the music better be fucking amazing. To this day, I don’t understand how records get released with such horrible composition/proofing/mastering.

3. Distribution model. Distribution model. Distribution model. Utterly important. Nobody is going to buy your record if it doesn’t make any sense. I am not going to name names, but some labels have been recently putting out vinyl again WITHOUT offering a free digital download.

NOBODY WANTS TO BUY THE FUCKING SAME RELEASE TWICE.

INCLUDE (high quality) DIGITAL COPIES WITH ALL VINYL PURCHASES. Everyone loves vinyl (yeah you do). But not everyone has an analog -> digital interface to rip it themselves. Fuck CDs. Don’t get me wrong I would take vinyl for listening purposes any day but actually prefer playing CDJs based on mechanics and convenience. You can burn cds for that purpose as easy as anything and not give a fuck about them. Stop wasting money and plastic on CD albums please?

Here’s a selection of my fav releases old and new by Discotexas.

THE THEME!!! If anyone reading this was a #radiotuftsmania regular they’d know I sometimes used this track as my sign off. Such a feel-good vibe. Tambourines, what did I tell you?
[See post to listen to audio]
Moullinex & Xinobi – Discotexas Theme (Digitalfoxglove Remix)

A beautiful track by Rockets (formerly discorockets), I’ve had the pleasure of hearing his style evolve over the past couple years and it has matured into the refined and masterful product you see here. The demos he sent me almost 2 years ago showed a general structure, but this product is just…. wow. Can you just hear the amazing? –but this is just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s to fat basslines and 2010!
[See post to listen to audio]
Rockets – Constellation [off the Constellation EP... out later this year?  sssshhhhh]

Moullinex in with that disco shimmer!! Has anyone heard a Moullinex remix that wasn’t good?  case in point.
[See post to listen to audio]
Justin Faust – Holdin’ On (Moullinex Remix) — [off Discotexas' latest release, listen to the whole album here]
BUY: Beatport, Juno Download, Amazon

So much vibing!!! That keyboard!! The chorus with the vocal ooh’s kills me. Use this as your exmaple mastering drums and layering percussion elements.
[See post to listen to audio]
Xinobi – Valsa in NJ — [off Forbidden Cuts Vol. 1, listen to the whole album here]
BUY: Beatport, Juno, Itunes, Amazon (us) (uk) (fr) (de)

Lastly, a super chilled-out remix by Moullinex. This time, it’s of Who Made Who’s ‘I Lost My Voice’. The vocals sound eerily like Øye (not a bad thing) but pay very close attention to the fucking perfect bass and hand percussion. yeeww!!
[See post to listen to audio]
Who Made Who – I Lost My Voice (Moullinex Remix)

PS: You can pre-order the Forbidden Cuts Vol. 1 here. (Can’t wait to get mine!!)

update: The Forbidden Cuts Vol. 1 has arrived and it sounds GLORIOUS http://twitpic.com/1al1×4

Got a couple new things at the top of my inbox early this week that just needed a quick “SUP”.

Let me break it down. New Kavinsky. New Vitalic.

Let me start in reverse alphabetical order. Vitalic. He’s been on a steady roll lately, amiright? (check here) This new one off his latest “Second Lives EP” is for the lack of anything better. awesome. It has his very characteristic background reverb with with muted syncopated cymbal percussion –reminiscent of one of my favorite classics “My Friend Dario”, but with so much more depth.  When you go buy the EP (out 03/22) make sure you play the Colonel Up and Mister Down remix a million times. ACES!

[See post to listen to audio]
Vitalic – Second Lives (Original Version)

Now Kavinsky. This track is so mellow and really a big departure from his old stuff IMO. It was produced by Guy-Manuel de Homem Christo (longest fucking name ever??) and the final mixdown was graced by SebastiAn (the french community is in a real circle jerk also, huh?). You can definitely hear stylistic touches to the track from the 2 and I think their lending hands were essential to make this track what you’re hearing right now. Their styles are so unique that it’s really just undoubtable.

There are vocals from none other than Lovefoxxx our favorite darling from CSS and I want to say the modulated vocals in the beginning are from Vincent Belorgey (aka Kavinsky. He kind of sounds like a douche in real life, but ultra nice, promise!). Anyone think otherwise?

Either way, Kavinsky seems to be chugging steadily along in his 80’s videogame-ferrarri testarossa-dreamland just fine, and I am not complaining about it one bit.

Buy it here as a limited edish picture disc.

[See post to listen to audio]
Kavinsky – Nightcall (feat. Lovefoxxx) (link removed by request)

BONUSES!!

This is from Vitalic’s previous LP release “Flashmob”. See? on a steady roll.
[See post to listen to audio]
Vitalic – One Above One

Here’s the other released track from Kavinsky’s latest, “Pacific Coast Highway”. Complete with awkward/cheesy arcade shooting game narratives.
[See post to listen to audio]
Kavinsky – Pacific Coast Highway (link removed by request)

don’t worry. all the downed links can still be listened to on my hypemachine page.

ps: who would like to hear the breakbot remix of nightcall?